Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Release highlights & security changes

  • 24.04 “Noble Numbat” seen as a natural upgrade for existing Ubuntu users, especially on a regular LTS “treadmill.”
  • Key updates noted: Linux 6.8 kernel, GNOME 46, updated tooling, and additional hardening (e.g., bounds checking, AppArmor tightening, TPM-backed full-disk encryption as experimental).
  • Cloud images now ship without preseeded snaps, which some see as a small but positive change.

AI/ML and GPU stacks

  • Multiple comments warn ML users (especially Nvidia + PyTorch) to wait until the ecosystem validates 24.04; others report Nvidia + PyTorch working fine already.
  • Some users are experimenting with AMD and Intel Arc on 24.04, but tooling and kernel modules can still be rough.
  • General concern that Python/ML ecosystems move slowly and may lag behind the distro.

Snaps vs Flatpak and distro direction

  • Strong dislike of snaps is common: complaints about forced snap installs via apt, startup latency, noisy mount output, home directory pollution (~/snap), and Canonical’s centralized store model.
  • Flatpak is widely preferred by those commenters: clearer separation from system packages, cross-distro, and perceived as less intrusive.
  • Some defend snaps, citing sandboxing and broader Canonical goals (including future immutable Ubuntu Core Desktop).
  • Broader criticism that Canonical repeatedly backs its own tech (Unity, Mir, Upstart, Snap) then pivots after years.

Ubuntu vs Debian/Fedora/others

  • Ubuntu praised for: predictable cadence, HWE kernels, easy third‑party repos, ZFS integration, and commercial support.
  • Debian fans emphasize: fewer “antics,” less chance of radical shifts (e.g., snap‑only), and long-term stability.
  • Fedora is recommended as a snap‑free, up‑to‑date, “get things done” distro with good upgrades and Flatpak integration.
  • Some argue declarative distros (NixOS/Guix) now offer superior stability, reproducibility, and upgrade/rollback stories.

Upgrade and stability concerns

  • Several reports of problematic upgrades from 22.04 to 24.04 (desktop breakage, installer crashes, apparmor-related issues breaking Chrome and snaps’ DNS).
  • Official guidance is that 22.04 users should wait for 24.04.1 before using the upgrade path.
  • TPM-backed FDE sparks debate: some see it as user-hostile/DRM-like; others stress it’s a security feature protecting data on lost or seized devices.